Upper Nazareth Township residents raise concerns over group homes

View full size Universal Institute has four group homes in the Eagles Landing development in Upper Nazareth. All are side-by-side in the 2700 block of Monacacy Road.Express-Times Photo | PAMELA SROKA-HOLZMANN

Adam Steinberg recognizes not everyone is going to welcome a group home in the neighborhood.

"I do understand that there are certain aspects of our clients' lives that may seem out of the ordinary, but they are just like you and me," said Steinberg, president and CEO of Universal Institute, an organization specializing in services for those with acquired brain injuries.

But residents are expressing concerns about four homes in an Upper Nazareth Township development that Universal Institute bought in June.

Township supervisors have received letters, phone calls and emails about the four homes side by side in the 2700 block of Monocacy Road in the Eagles Landing development, according to board Vice Chairman Scott Sylvainus, who said residents fear their property values will sink due to proximity to the homes.

They look to precedents elsewhere in the county.

In 2009, residents in Williams Township tried unsuccessfully to shut down a group home after complaints about loud noises, cars speeding on the road and late-night parties by the employees with up to 15 cars parked around the home at 400 County Line Road.

Last year, Lower Nazareth Township residents complained about noise, profanity, alcohol use by staff and too many cars parked at a group home at 4504 Stephanie Drive.

Universal Institute opened four group homes in Upper Nazareth Township in June.Pamela Sroka-Holzmann

Eagles Landing homeowners questioned last week had no specific complaints about the group homes, but supervisors have asked Zoning Officer John Soloe to investigate them anyway.

Acquiring the homes

Universal Institute didn't need zoning approval, nor did the organization need to notify the township before buying the homes.

"The township was unaware of the use of the homes until the neighbors raised questions," Sylvainus said last week.

Mike Tuskes — owner of Tuskes Homes, which sold the properties to Universal Institute — said federal law ensures Universal Institute has as much right to buy the homes as any family. The organization falls under the protection of the Federal Fair Housing Act.

"Tuskes Homes cannot and will not discriminate in the sale of its homes," Tuskes said.

Township Solicitor Gary Asteak agrees the board can't discriminate against those who live there.

A 'good neighbor'

Universal's Steinberg said his group's goal is "to be a productive and good neighbor," with plans to host events such as barbecues and answer residents' questions.

"Unfortunately, most people don't have an appreciation for what we do until they personally experience a tragedy that makes them immediate experts," he said. "So I am simply asking for patience, communication and appreciation of our disabled clients."

Steinberg said clients lead a "normal community life."

A typical day includes off-site physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Clients return to the group home in the evening for dinner and to read or watch TV. They visit friends and family on the weekends, or make supervised trips.

Steinberg said all four homes include three bedrooms. Each has three adult clients and a minimum of one staff member. The homes operate 24/7, he said.

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ABOUT UNIVERSAL INSTITUTE

Universal Institute was founded in 1989 by Jerry Lasso, a paraplegic and advocate for individuals with disabilities. Lasso felt disabled individuals have the right to live in the community rather than in institutions.

Catastrophic accidents have made it unrealistic for Universal clients to live on their own. Clients include war veterans, police officers or firefighters injured in the line of duty, those with work-related injuries and neighbors who have taken terrible falls.

Universal Institute is one of the largest managers of community homes, outpatient rehabilitation clinics and vocational training centers with locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Michigan.